The holidays are supposed to be magical and a time for family, but in reality? They’re often a pressure cooker. Between family issues, financial uncertainty, and the unspoken expectation that you should be overflowing with joy from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, it’s no wonder many of us end December feeling depleted and empty rather than renewed and energized.
If you’ve smiled through a family dinner while counting the hours, you’re not alone. Holiday stress is one of the most common—and yet least talked about—experiences of the season.
We have some good news for you though: you don’t need to white-knuckle the holidays this season. We’ve put together a list of five strategies to help you through, plus a few ways that CBD can provide that little extra boost when needed.
1. Set Boundaries Before You Need Them
The time to decide how long to stay is not when you’re already there and exhausted. It’s best to think ahead: What events are non-negotiable? Which ones can be shortened or skipped altogether? Who drains all your energy and goodwill, and how can you avoid—or at least minimize—your interaction with them?
Boundaries are not selfish. Everyone sets them; they’re a form of survival. And the best way to maintain those boundaries is to decide on them ahead of time.
Editors Pick:
Heading into a family gathering or holiday party? Many people like having a sugar free strawberry or tropical punch gummy about an hour beforehand. Our gummies are low-key, portable and nobody needs to know.
2. Protect Your Morning or Evening Routine
The holidays will inadvertently blow up your best-laid routines. You may find yourself sleeping in guest rooms, eating at odd times, or even eating odd foods. All of that chaos is just an invitation to compound the holiday stress.
We suggest that you pick your most prized routine and stick to it. Maybe it’s that morning coffee before anyone else is up. Maybe it’s a quick 20-minute yoga session or a book before bed. Whatever your most prized routine is, guard it. By keeping some form of normalcy, you have that little bit of predictability to ground you.
Editors Pick:
For those morning routines, we recommend our CBD isolate tincture. This tincture quickly and discreetly dissolves into coffee, teas or smoothies. It is a simple way to make your quiet morning feel more intentional.
For those that favor an evening routine we recommend our CBN elderberry gummies. These gummies not only taste great, but fit into your routine when it is time to call it a night.
Curious How CBD Fits Into Holiday Wellness?
Many people explore CBD as part of their seasonal routine—especially during weeks filled with travel, family gatherings, and shifting schedules. If you’re wondering how CBD works, how to choose the right product, or where to start, these guides make it simple.
3. Move Your Body
You don’t need a full workout routine—just a little bit helps. Take a 10-minute walk to get away from Uncle Cid, or dance in the kitchen with your niece Evelyn. It’s been proven that a little movement goes a long way to help us feel better and less stressed.
Editors Pick:
After a long day of travel or time on your feet, our Muscle Cream Roll-On offers a lightweight, fast-absorbing option with a subtle scent you won’t mind using around family.
4. Lower the Bar
Perfectionism is the enemy of the holidays. Between family and friends that we need to find the perfect gift for, the Instagram-worthy centerpieces, and the perfectly wrapped presents, we tend to strive for perfectionism. This idea of being perfect or always on—let it go.
Good enough is good enough. At the end of the day, showing up is all that matters. It’s the time we spend with each other that truly matters. And let’s be honest, one month from now no one will remember if the napkins matched the plates.
5. Know When You Need More Than Tips
Sometimes the holidays are more than just stress. Sometimes all the tips and tricks in the world won’t help, and that’s okay.
You have permission to skip events, not see everyone, and just survive the season—whatever that means to you.
The holidays are a fun time, but they don’t have to be a performance. They can be slower, quieter, and more intentional. The holidays should be what you need them to be. Culture and social media tell us what the holidays should be; this year, make the holidays yours.
If You’re Exploring CBD This Season
The holidays can feel hectic, and many people like incorporating small rituals that help them slow down and feel more grounded. If CBD is something you’re curious about, these resources offer a simple place to begin:
CBD 101 Guide | Stress Support Products
Take care of yourself this season. You’re worth it.
CBD Guides | Best gifts of 2025
